Topo-Tex

TOPO-TEX

Topo-Tex is a tactile as well as visually changeable surface that was designed in collaboration with Jonas Schneider and BMW. The underlying motivation in creating Topo-Tex was the observation that surfaces in our environment are often rigid and static in their reaction to kinetic, acoustic or visual influences. In order to overcome this, Topo-Tex aims to emphasize the potential of tactile and communicative intersections. By combining spacer fabric and transparent nylon threads to create certain knitting patterns, it became possible for us to cause elevations and contractions of the material without the need of an actuator foundation. Thanks to this approach, the material is able to stay flat, flexible and translucent. The dynamic surface modulation is instead steered through a lateral stepper motor.